Happy Halloween!

 Well, we decided to trick or treat in the neighborhood  again!  Our neighbors took this picture for us.  Samuel is Batman; Sophia, Thumbelina; Philip, Motocross Racer.

 Let the trading begin!  One house even handed out Beanie Babies with candy!  Our neighbors gave our boys cars and Sophia a bead bracelet kit!

As Philip was climbing the stairs to bed tonight, he said, "Mom, Halloween was really fun."

Japanese Fancy Restaurant

 We received a very generous gift card for a nice Japanese restaurant nearby. 

 The soup course:  I had Miso soup (was really yummy) and the kids and Jess really loved the Clear Soup.

 They loved the neat bowls and spoons for the soup course.  At first, they wondered if that was all we were getting!  They've never had meals served one course at a time.

 They brought out practice chopsticks and the kids ate their whole salads with them!  Such fun!

 Samuel used the regular chopsticks!

 Jess' tempura--really tasty and clean tasting.  We've never had anything like it before.  We all tasted each others' food. 

 Philip ate everything with his chopsticks!

 Pork Katsu--Cheryl's--We all loved it.  The sauce was really flavorful and sweet.

Chicken Katsu--kids'--I'm so glad they loved it!

Philip told me early the next morning, with his large and serious eyes, "Mom, I'm glad we went to that Japanese restaurant.  I really liked it." 

They all three got excited a few days later when we passed it.  This was the chance of a lifetime for us as a family and I am glad the kids savoured it as much as we did.  They behaved really well and were really so pleasant and good at quietly containing their excitement--which surely isn't easy for kids!

Cross Country Practice

 We stopped at McDonalds.  :)

 We stopped at a swing set after bringing the school van back from an out of town practice.  The above photo really shows Miss Sophia's attitude problem!

4-H meeting

 Philip took this out our dining room window during school work at the table.  I like it.  We enjoy this view each day during meals and lessons.

 The 4-H kids made pictures and Stampin' Up cards for soldiers during the meeting.

 Check out Sophia both times!  Funny girl!

C

Sophia's birthday weekend

 Lazy Daisy Cake

 Aunt Sarah sent pretties from Florida--so sweet!

 Grandpa and Grandma treat us to the pumpkin patch.

a present for Sophia

 Our friend and neighbor stopped by with a sweet present.

She gave Sophia two barbies and the original Carebear movie (from when I was a child).  Sophia has been brushing their hair and playing with them all day!